Latinos in the Deep South is a program coordinated by the Latino Commission on AIDS that aims to build local leadership, develop networks and coalitions, enhance knowledge and cultural competency, and spur actions to address the needs of the emerging Latino/Hispanic populations in the Deep South. The program accomplishes these goals through capacity building, community organizing, leadership development and networking initiatives, with a focus on community-based participatory research and information dissemination.

>>click on the graphic

Program Objectives:

The programmatic objectives of the Latinos in the Deep South are to:

1. Continue the process of network-building and fostering collaboration among organizations and institutions providing HIV and related services to Latinos, especially Latino migrants and immigrants;

2. Link Community Based Organizations (CBO) and other Latino-serving organizations with regional and national resource networks and civil society networks; and

4. Continue the process of data collection and assessment for the needs of the emerging Latino population in the Deep South.

The emerging Latino communities in the Deep South are a result of unique intersection of migration patterns and economic opportunity within the last several decades. Increasingly, Latinos are becoming an important component of the social and economic fabric of the Deep South. However, with all these strides, Latinos continue to be underrepresented in important services, such as public health, and in particular within the realms of HIV prevention and capacity building provision. This trend becomes more disturbing as the rates of HIV infection for Latinos continue to rise.

CDC DISCLAIMER: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this website. Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. Individuals who are mentioned or whose photographs appear on this site are not necessarily HIV positive or have AIDS. This site is not designed to provide medical care, if you are ill, please seek medical advice from a licensed practioner. HIV prevention materials funded by CDC must be approved by local program review panels, however, the materials may be considered controversial by some viewers.